North Carolina Sheriff's Deputy Dies After Tractor-Trailer Slams Into Patrol Vehicle
What to Know
- Deputy Damien Bost was assisting a highway crew when his patrol vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer, leading to his death.
- Bost served for eight years, was involved in community programs like DARE, and was a familiar face at local events and school activities.
- The incident underscores the risks law enforcement officers face during traffic control and highway safety operations.
COLUMBUS COUNTY, North Carolina — Deputy Damien Bost of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office died in the line of duty June 25 after his patrol vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer while he was assisting and escorting a North Carolina Department of Transportation subcontracting crew on U.S. 74-76 in Hallsboro, according to the sheriff’s office and the Sandhills Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association.
The sheriff’s office announced the loss Thursday, describing it as a “heartbreaking loss” for the agency. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, and officials said additional information will be released later.
According to the Police Benevolent Association, Bost was sitting in his patrol vehicle in the highway median with emergency equipment activated when the patrol vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer. The association said Bost had been assigned to traffic control duties supporting the highway work operation.
Bost served with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for eight years and was assigned as a school resource officer at South Columbus High School. During the summer months, school resource officers often serve in other operational assignments while students are out of school.
Sheriff Bill Rogers said Bost was well known for his involvement in the DARE program and community events. “Whenever you’d see the lion dancing around at a DARE program, that was him. He was always our lion,” Rogers said during a media interview referenced by the association. Rogers also said Bost regularly attended ball games, parades, and other events supporting local students.
Bost is survived by his wife, Jayden, two children, and his parents.
The Police Benevolent Foundation has established a memorial fund to support Bost’s family. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the foundation’s fund is the only donation link officially endorsed by the agency and that all donations received through the foundation will go directly to Bost’s spouse.
For law enforcement agencies, the incident underscores the risks officers face while protecting highway work zones and conducting traffic control operations. Deputy Bost’s death is being investigated as a line-of-duty fatality.